Article by Alexandru Stanciu – published on Saturday, 02 August 2025, 17:39 / Updated on Saturday, 02 August 2025 17:42
James Milner (39 years old), Brighton's veteran, decided to take the number 20 at “Pescăruși” for the next season, in memory of his former colleague from Liverpool, Diogo Jota, the footballer who died a month ago at the age of 28, following a terrible accident in Spain.
Former English international is preparing for the third season at Brighton, where he has been number 6 so far. For the next season, Milner took over the number 20, remaining vacant after being worn by Carlos Baleba.
Thus, Milner will honor the memory of Diogo Jota, the one with whom he played 71 matches for “Cormorants”.
James Milner took over the number 20 at Brighton, in memory of Diogo Jota
James Milner is preparing for the 24th consecutive season in the Premier League, and in this season Liverpool and Manchester City player will wear the number 20 at Brighton, in memory of Diogo Jota.
“When I heard that Baleba wanted to change his number immediately I wanted to take him, as a sign of respect and, of course, to pay tribute to Diogo Jota, who was an extraordinary player with whom I was fortunate to play and, at the same time, a wonderful friend. It is a great honor to wear his number in the Premier League this year.
As a player, he was incredible. He had a sense of completion rarely encountered, he was so intelligent in the way he found his positions in the field, in the way he used his body.
Every week I liked to watch him playing and I liked to train with him, but, more important than his qualities as a player, he was an extraordinary man. It was the kind of person you could put in any corner of the locker room and they all loved it.
We had so many funny days together, we always teased each other. It was so stubborn, just like me. We had a great time together. He was a wonderful family man, someone next to you were pleased to be.
It will be missing everyone. He was a truly remarkable player and an even better man, an incredible man. It will be missing all those who have known him and certainly the whole world of football, ”explained James Milner the choice made.
James Milner was also present at the funeral of Diogo Jota, which took place in Portugal last month.
James Milner is preparing to break the record of the most Premier League matches
Until he reached Brighton, Milner has evolved to top teams in the Premier League, such as Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle, Leeds or Aston Villa, being the second footballer in the history of competition as a number of appearances (638). The first place is occupied by Gareth Barry, with 653.
Also, throughout the 23 years of career in professional football, Brighton's current player has passed 13 major trophies, including three Champion titles and a Champions League.
In addition, he also checked 61 matches in the selected “Three Lions” (between 2009 and 2016), during which he participated in two World Championships (2010 and 2014), respectively in two final European Championship (2012 and 2016) tournaments.
